UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Exploring the Role of Probiotics Inhabiting the Apis mellifera Gut as Inherent Antibiotics and a Boon for Human Welfare

2026-07-23T12:56:34+00:00

The gut of the Western honeybee, Apis mellifera, harbours a compact and highly conserved bacterial community that performs functions extending well beyond digestion. Core symbionts such as Snodgrassella alvi, Gilliamella apicola, Bombilactobacillus and Lactobacillus Firm-5 clusters, and Bifidobacterium asteroides produce organic acids, bacteriocins, exopolysaccharides and other metabolites that suppress bee pathogens and stimulate host antimicrobial peptide expression. These properties place the bee gut microbiota within a broader category of naturally occurring antimicrobial systems, and they have prompted growing interest in whether such organisms, or the hive products they help create, might offer practical value for human health in an era of accelerating antimicrobial resistance. This review draws together evidence on the composition and antimicrobial functioning of the A. mellifera gut microbiota, the mechanisms by which resident lactic acid bacteria and associated taxa restrict honeybee pathogens, and the translational evidence linking honeybee-derived bacteria, honey, propolis and bee bread to inhibition of clinically relevant human pathogens including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organisms. Particular attention is given to candidate probiotic strains such as Apilactobacillus kunkeei and honey-associated lactic acid bacteria that have shown gastrointestinal stress tolerance and antagonism toward wound pathogens in preliminary human-relevant assays. Environmental stressors, notably agrochemical exposure and veterinary antibiotic use in apiculture, are examined as drivers of gut dysbiosis that compromise these protective functions and that may themselves contribute to the spread of resistance determinants. The review closes by outlining research priorities, including standardised strain characterisation, controlled human and preclinical trials, and regulatory pathways, that would be required before honeybee gut-derived probiotics could be considered a genuine adjunct or alternative to conventional antimicrobials.

Effect of Beetroot (Beta vulgaris) Juice Supplementation on Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Haemato-biochemical Profile of Broiler Chickens

2026-07-17T13:01:28+00:00

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of beetroot juice supplementation on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and haemato-biochemical profile of broiler chickens. One hundred and ninety-two (192) day-old broiler chicks (Vencobb-430Y) were randomly allocated to four dietary treatments, with 48 birds per treatment and four replicates of 12 chicks each. The dietary treatments were T₁: basal diet (as per Bureau of Indian Standards, 1992), T₂: basal diet + 0.25 ml of beetroot juice in water/bird/day, T₃: basal diet + 0.5 ml of beetroot juice in water/bird/day and T₄: basal diet + 1.0 ml of beetroot juice in water/bird/day. The parameters studied were body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass characteristics, haemato-biochemical profile and return over feed cost. The final body weight, overall body weight gain and total feed intake did not differ significantly (P > 0.05) among the treatment groups. The overall FCR values were 1.72, 1.69, 1.63 and 1.61 in the T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ groups, respectively, indicating a numerical (P > 0.05) improvement in feed conversion efficiency with increasing levels of beetroot juice in drinking water. No significant (P > 0.05) effects were observed on dressing weight, dressing percentage or the weights of the liver, heart, gizzard, kidney and spleen. Serum glucose levels differed significantly (P < 0.05) among the treatment groups, with birds in the T₄ group having the lowest glucose concentration. Serum concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, SGPT and SGOT were not influenced (P > 0.05) by beetroot juice supplementation. Compared with the T₁ group (control), the return over feed cost was 10.56%, 35.57% and 47.17% higher in the T₂, T₃ and T₄ groups, respectively. Based on the results of this study, beetroot juice supplementation in the drinking water of broiler chickens did not affect final body weight or body weight gain; however, it numerically improved feed conversion efficiency and return over feed cost. Beetroot juice supplementation significantly lowered the serum glucose level and did not affect the carcass characteristics of broiler chickens.

Molecular Characterization of Virulence Genes in E. coli Isolates from Bovine Mastitis Cases

2026-07-17T13:47:54+00:00

The pathogenicity of Escherichia coli associated with bovine mastitis is primarily governed by the presence of specific virulence genes. The present study investigated the distribution and combinations of virulence determinants in E. coli isolates recovered from mastitic milk samples. A total of 36 E. coli isolates, confirmed by 16S rRNA gene amplification, were analysed for the presence of six virulence-associated genes (Stx1, Stx2, TraT, eaeA, aer, and hly) using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Among the tested genes, three virulence determinants (Stx2, TraT, and eaeA) were detected, whereas Stx1, aer, and hly were absent. The Stx2 gene was the most prevalent, being detected in 58.33% of isolates, followed by TraT (41.66%) and eaeA (19.44%). The absence of Stx1, together with the higher frequency of Stx2, indicated a predominance of Stx2 among the Shiga toxin genes examined. Analysis of virulence-gene combinations revealed that Stx2–TraT was the most frequent profile (22.22%), followed by Stx2–eaeA and TraT–eaeA. The findings indicated that E. coli isolates from bovine mastitis harboured multiple virulence determinants associated with adhesion, toxin production, and immune evasion. The predominance of Stx2 and its association with other virulence genes highlighted the potential pathogenic relevance of these isolates. This study provides insights into the virulence-gene profiles of mastitis-associated E. coli, which may contribute to understanding disease pathogenesis and informing targeted control strategies. Further phylogenetic analysis of the selected virulent isolate revealed genetic divergence among the E. coli sequences, with isolate SQ4647 forming a distinct lineage.

Haematological and Histopathological Alterations in Anabas testudineus Following Short-term Exposure to Lead Nitrate

2026-07-18T13:10:03+00:00

Lead is a persistent aquatic pollutant that poses serious risks to fish health and ecosystem balance. This study examined the short-term effects of sublethal lead nitrate exposure on haematological indices, tissue morphology, cell viability, and coagulation dynamics in Anabas testudineus. The selected exposure concentrations (15 and 30 mg/L, respectively), representing sublethal fractions of the 96-h LC₅₀, were chosen to investigate early toxic responses under controlled laboratory conditions. Although these concentrations exceed those typically reported in natural freshwater systems, they provide valuable insight into the biological effects of acute lead contamination and potential pollution events. Lead exposure significantly reduced red blood cell count, haemoglobin, and haematocrit values, indicating anaemia and disrupted erythropoiesis. White blood cell profiles showed increased total counts and neutrophil levels but reduced lymphocyte and monocyte levels, suggesting concurrent inflammatory responses and immune suppression. Histopathological analysis revealed dose-dependent lesions, including renal glomerular shrinkage and tubular necrosis; hepatic vacuolation, sinusoidal congestion, and necrosis; and gill alterations such as epithelial hyperplasia, lamellar fusion, and hypertrophy. Overall, lead nitrate exposure caused systemic toxicity in A. testudineus, and the altered haematological and histopathological markers identified in this study may serve as useful indicators for ecotoxicological monitoring of heavy-metal contamination.

Response of Rice Genotypes Carrying Gall Midge Resistance Genes against Asian Rice Gall Midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason), in Mahabubabad, Telangana, India

2026-07-20T12:21:55+00:00

Rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzae (Wood-Mason), is a major pest of rice that causes significant yield losses in India. The present study was conducted during Kharif 2023 at Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Malyal, Mahabubabad district, Telangana, to evaluate four rice genotypes carrying genes conferring resistance to gall midge (WGL-1119, IBT-WGL-2, Abhaya, and Aganni), together with TN-1 as a susceptible check, against the local gall midge population under natural infestation conditions. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications. Gall midge incidence was assessed at 30, 50, and 75 days after transplanting (DAT) based on the percentages of plant damage and silver shoot damage, and the observations recorded at 50 DAT were used to score the genotypes according to the standard procedure. Significant differences were observed among the genotypes. Aganni, IBT-WGL-2, and WGL-1119 exhibited resistant reactions with low levels of infestation. At 50 DAT, Aganni recorded the lowest damage (2.50% plant damage and 0.52% silver shoots), followed by WGL-1119 (6.25% plant damage and 0.86% silver shoots) and IBT-WGL-2 (7.50% plant damage and 0.71% silver shoots). Abhaya showed moderate susceptibility, whereas the susceptible check, TN-1, recorded the highest infestation. Aganni and IBT-WGL-2 maintained stable resistance up to 75 DAT, whereas WGL-1119 showed a slight increase in plant damage but remained resistant based on silver shoot damage. Aganni and the pyramided lines IBT-WGL-2 (Gm4+Gm8) and WGL-1119 (Gm1+Gm4) were identified as promising sources of resistance to gall midge and as suitable resistant donors for breeding programmes. This is the first report on the response of these resistant genotypes to the gall midge population prevailing in Mahabubabad district, Telangana, India.

Prevalence of Ectoparasitic Mite Infestations in Cats with Special Reference to Sarcoptes scabiei, Notoedres cati, and Otodectes cynotis

2026-07-20T12:28:31+00:00

Ectoparasitic mite infestations are among the most important dermatological disorders affecting cats and lead to pruritus, skin lesions, and otic disease. The present study was conducted at the Veterinary Clinical Complex (VCC), College of Veterinary Science, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, from June 2025 to May 2026 to determine the occurrence and clinical presentation of major ectoparasitic mite infestations in cats. A total of 120 cats presenting with dermatological and otic clinical signs were examined during the study period. A detailed clinical history was obtained, and a physical examination was performed for each animal. Diagnostic procedures included the collection of deep skin scrapings and ear swabs for microscopic examination to identify mites based on standard morphological characteristics. Of the 120 cats presenting with dermatological and otic signs, 80 (66.67%) were confirmed to have ectoparasitic mite infestations. The identified ectoparasites were Notoedres cati, Sarcoptes scabiei, and Otodectes cynotis. The data obtained were analysed using the chi-square test to determine statistical significance among infestations. Notoedres cati was the predominant mite species, identified in 48 cats (60.0%), followed by Sarcoptes scabiei in 20 cats (25.0%) and Otodectes cynotis in 12 cats (15.0%). Clinically affected cats exhibited varying degrees of pruritus, alopecia, erythema, crust formation, skin scaling, and otitis externa, depending on the mite species involved. Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference in the occurrence of mite species (χ² = 26.81, df = 2, P < .001), indicating the predominance of Notoedres cati during the study period. These findings emphasise the importance of routine dermatological and otoscopic examinations, early laboratory diagnosis, and the implementation of effective parasite control measures for managing ectoparasitic mite infestations in clinically suspected cats.

Assessment of Ichthyofaunal Diversity of a Stretch of the Ghaghara River Flowing through District Ambedkar Nagar of Uttar Pradesh, India

2026-07-21T13:04:12+00:00

The present investigation was conducted to assess the ichthyofaunal diversity of the Ghaghara River, a tributary of the Ganga River, at three sites in Ambedkar Nagar District, Uttar Pradesh: (Site I Ausan Pur 26°38'03.3"N 82°30'31.3"E); (Site II Kewtala 26°26'34.8"N 83°02'01.4"E); and (Site III Kamariya Ghat 26°24'03.8"N 83°04'31.8"E) from September 2025 to May 2026. A total of 39 fish species belonging to 16 families and 8 orders in the class Actinopterygii were recorded. Among the orders, Siluriformes 13 (30%) were dominant, followed by Cypriniformes 11 species (28.21%), while the family Cyprinidae showed the highest representation (23.08%), followed by Bagridae with five species. Conservation status analysis revealed that 33 species (84.62%) were classified as Least Concern, indicating relatively stable populations with a low risk of extinction. 4 species, (10.26%) namely Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Ompok bimaculatus, Chitala chitala, and Ompok pabda, were categorized as Near Threatened (NT), suggesting the need for regular monitoring and habitat protection. 2 species, (5.13%) Wallago attu and Bagarius bagarius, were classified as Vulnerable (VU). Seasonal variation in fish diversity was evident, with the highest species richness recorded during the monsoon season (38 species), followed by the post-monsoon (30 species) and pre-monsoon seasons (25 species). The Shannon–Wiener diversity index ranged from 2.89 to 3.43, while Simpson’s diversity index varied from 0.9269 to 0.9602, indicating a diverse and relatively stable fish community structure. Bray–Curtis similarity analysis revealed clear seasonal grouping of fish assemblages, with the highest similarity observed between December 2025 and January 2026 (90.27%). The low stress value (0.01) associated with the multidimensional scaling (MDS) plot indicated excellent ordination of the samples. Seasonal variations significantly influenced fish diversity, abundance, and community structure, with the monsoon season supporting the highest species richness and abundance due to favourable habitat and breeding conditions. The occurrence of Near Threatened and Vulnerable species highlights the conservation significance of the Ghaghara River ecosystem and emphasises the need for effective management strategies for the sustainable conservation of riverine fish biodiversity in eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Production Performance and Egg Quality Characteristics of Kadaknath, Rhode Island Red and Indigenous Chickens under Backyard Production System in Balrampur District of Uttar Pradesh, India

2026-07-21T13:10:38+00:00

The present study evaluated and compared the production performance and egg quality characteristics of Kadaknath, Rhode Island Red, and Indigenous chickens reared under backyard production systems in Balrampur district, Uttar Pradesh. Production traits, including body weight, age at sexual maturity, egg production, mortality, and egg quality characteristics, were assessed. The results revealed significant (P < 0.05) differences among the three genetic groups. Rhode Island Red birds exhibited significantly higher body weights at 4, 10, 20, and 40 weeks of age (241.99ᵃ ± 2.48 g, 828.17ᵃ ± 2.68 g, 1707.74ᵃ ± 5.51 g, and 2010.19ᵃ ± 6.05 g, respectively), followed by Kadaknath and Indigenous birds. Age at sexual maturity was significantly lower in Rhode Island Red birds (155.87ᶜ ± 0.57 days) than in Kadaknath (196.48ᵇ ± 0.87 days) and Indigenous birds (212.82ᵃ ± 2.17 days). Egg production up to 40 weeks was highest in Rhode Island Red birds (79.47ᵃ ± 1.33 eggs), followed by Kadaknath (41.02ᵇ ± 0.73 eggs) and Indigenous birds (33.47ᶜ ± 0.64 eggs). Rhode Island Red eggs had significantly higher egg weight (55.22ᵃ ± 0.25 g), eggshell weight (5.12ᵃ ± 0.05 g), eggshell thickness (0.35ᵃ ± 0.01 mm), yolk weight (16.51ᵃ ± 0.09 g), yolk percentage (30.07ᵃ ± 0.21%), and yolk colour score (9.89ᵃ ± 0.09). However, Kadaknath eggs recorded a superior Haugh unit value (77.42ᵃ ± 0.37), indicating better albumen quality. The findings indicate that Rhode Island Red chickens are more productive under the evaluated backyard conditions, whereas Kadaknath chickens have an advantage in internal egg quality.

Diversity and Density of Zooplankton in Active and Non-Active Fishing Zones off Kollam, Southwest Coast of India

2026-07-22T12:45:53+00:00

Zooplankton constitute a fundamental component of marine pelagic ecosystems, serving as a critical trophic link between primary producers and higher trophic levels, including commercially important fish species. Understanding the distribution and abundance of zooplankton is essential for elucidating ecosystem processes and supporting ecosystem-based fisheries management. The present study investigated the diversity, composition, and density of zooplankton communities in active fishing zones (FZs) and adjacent non-fishing zones (NFZs) off Kollam, Keralam, along the southwestern Arabian Sea, a region of considerable ecological and economic significance.

Sampling was conducted monthly from November 2019 to February 2020 across near-shore, coastal, and offshore waters. Active fishing zones were identified using the Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) of local fishers in conjunction with acoustic observations from a GPS-coupled fish finder, whereas non-fishing zones were selected from nearby areas lacking active fishing operations and visible fish aggregations. Zooplankton samples were collected using a 200 µm mesh plankton net, preserved in 4% buffered formalin, and analysed using a Sedgwick–Rafter counting cell and standard taxonomic identification keys.

A total of 53 zooplankton taxa were recorded during the study period, contributing valuable baseline information on zooplankton biodiversity from the coastal waters off Kollam. Total zooplankton density ranged from 422 to 503 ind. m⁻³, with the highest density observed at FZ-1 during November and the lowest at NFZ-3 during December. Copepods constituted the dominant component of the zooplankton assemblage in both fishing and non-fishing zones, accounting for 49.6–72.1% of total abundance, followed by decapod larvae (9.7–24.4%) and chordates. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed significant spatial and temporal variations in zooplankton density among sampling zones and months. However, a consistent distinction between fishing and non-fishing zones was not evident, as elevated zooplankton densities occurred in both zone categories during different sampling periods.

The results indicate that temporal environmental variability exerts a stronger influence on zooplankton distribution than fishing-zone status alone in the coastal waters off Kollam. The study enhances understanding of plankton–fish trophic interactions in the southwestern Arabian Sea and provides a scientific foundation for future investigations on fish aggregation processes, marine ecosystem dynamics, and ecosystem-based fisheries management.

The Study of Gonadal Development According to Seasonal Variation and Comparison between Two Species, Puntius sophore and Rasbora daniconius

2026-07-23T06:04:30+00:00

The reproductive biology of fishes is strongly influenced by seasonal environmental changes; therefore, the study of gonadal development is important for understanding breeding patterns and supporting sustainable fisheries management. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the seasonal gonadal development of Puntius sophore and Rasbora daniconius collected from Upper Lake, Bhopal. Fish samples were collected in different seasons, and their gonads were examined to assess developmental stages and reproductive characteristics. P. sophore and R. daniconius are important small native fish species of Bangladesh belonging to the family Cyprinidae and the order Cypriniformes. The main objective of the present study was to examine monthly changes in gonadal maturity stages to delineate the spawning season and describe the temporal dynamics of the reproductive cycle. Gonadal maturity was evaluated according to the maturity classifications described by Nikolsky (1963) and Shafi and Quddus (1982). Five stages were identified in females (immature, maturing, mature, spawning, and spent), whereas six stages were identified in males (immature, resting, developing, maturing, mature, and spent). The sex ratio of P. sophore was significantly female-biased (1.93:1, p < 0.001), with the greatest deviation recorded during August and September. The spawning season of P. sophore was identified as June-August, with peak spawning during June-July and a GSI peak of 8.46% in May, whereas R. daniconius spawned from April to July, with peak activity in July (GSI: 2.21%). The study provides baseline information on the reproductive cycles of these native freshwater fishes and improves understanding of their breeding biology. These findings may support the identification of critical spawning periods and contribute to conservation measures and sustainable fisheries management.

Histochemical Insights into Brain Protein and Lipid Alterations in Aquatic and Terrestrial Molluscs under Heavy Metal Stress

2026-07-23T13:01:31+00:00

Background: Heavy-metal contamination can disturb neural biomolecules and compromise nervous-system integrity in molluscs.

Aim: This study compared time-dependent histochemical alterations in brain proteins and lipids between the freshwater snail Bellamya bengalensis and the terrestrial slug Semperula maculata following mercuric chloride exposure.

Study Design: A laboratory-based comparative histochemical study of two molluscan species.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Department of Zoology under controlled laboratory conditions during the experimental period. Healthy specimens of both molluscan species were collected, acclimatised, and exposed to the heavy metal for the planned duration.

Methodology: Healthy specimens of Bellamya bengalensis and Semperula maculata were exposed to a sublethal concentration of mercuric chloride (1.5 ppm) under controlled laboratory conditions. Following exposure, brain tissues were dissected, fixed, processed, and subjected to histochemical analysis. Mercury bromophenol blue staining was used to demonstrate total proteins, whereas Sudan Black B staining was used to detect lipids. Histochemical alterations were examined microscopically and compared between the aquatic and terrestrial species to assess heavy-metal-induced neurotoxicity.

Results: Heavy-metal exposure produced marked neurochemical changes in the brain tissues of both species. Bellamya bengalensis showed a marked reduction in protein-staining intensity within the cerebral ganglia, accompanied by moderate lipid depletion. In contrast, Semperula maculata exhibited more extensive lipid loss, localised vacuolisation, and greater structural disruption of brain tissue, indicating greater susceptibility to heavy-metal toxicity. The differences in histochemical responses suggest that habitat and physiological characteristics influence the extent of neurotoxic damage caused by heavy-metal exposure.

Conclusion: Heavy-metal toxicity alters brain protein and lipid composition in both aquatic and terrestrial molluscs. The greater neurochemical damage observed in Semperula maculata indicates species-specific sensitivity to heavy-metal stress. These findings support the potential use of molluscs as bioindicators for monitoring environmental heavy-metal contamination and contribute to an understanding of heavy-metal-induced neurotoxicity in invertebrates.

Diversity and Distribution of Hermit Crabs (Decapoda: Anomura) along the Intertidal Coast of Sikka, Gujarat, India

2026-07-23T13:06:35+00:00

This study assessed the diversity, distribution and gastropod-shell utilisation of hermit crabs at the Vador site and GSFC Jetty on the intertidal coast of Sikka, Gujarat, from October 2020 to March 2021. Fortnightly hand collections were undertaken during low tide across sandy and muddy habitats, and specimens were identified to species level. Six species belonging to the family Diogenidae were recorded: four species of Diogenes and two species of Clibanarius. In total, 986 individuals were documented, including 538 from Vador and 448 from GSFC Jetty. Diogenes edwardsii was the most abundant species across the two sites, whereas Clibanariuslongitarsus was the least abundant. Hermit crabs occupied shells of 20 gastropod species, with 717 shell-use records. Cerithiumscabridum was the most frequently used shell species, followed by Eupica scripta, Cerithidia cingulata, Clypeomorus petrosa, Turbo brunneus and Littorina sp. Monthly Shannon–Wiener diversity values ranged from 1.18 to 1.58 at Vador and from 0.94 to 1.58 at GSFC Jetty. Margalef richness ranged from 0.75 to 1.12 and from 0.56 to 1.14, respectively, while Pielou’s evenness ranged from 0.79 to 0.91 and from 0.79 to 0.87. The findings provide a six-month baseline inventory of hermit crab assemblages and shell utilisation along the sampled Sikka coast.

Effect of FSH-induced Ovarian Stimulation on Oocyte Recovery and in vitro Embryo Production by Ovum Pick-up in Sahiwal Cows

2026-07-23T13:12:42+00:00

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) pre-stimulation on oocyte recovery and oocyte developmental competence in Sahiwal donor cows. Twelve Sahiwal cows (n=12), aged 3-6 years and maintained at the Livestock Farm Complex under the Embryo Transfer and In Vitro Fertilisation Project (RKVY), Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, ANDUAT, Kumarganj, Ayodhya, were randomly divided into two groups. The selected donor cows received 10 µg of GnRH at a random stage of the oestrous cycle. In Group I, which served as the control, ovum pick-up (OPU) was performed 5 days after GnRH administration. Group II cows (FSH-stimulated, n = 6) received pre-stimulation with 200 mg Stimufol intramuscularly in three tapering doses (100, 60, and 40 mg), and OPU was conducted 48 hours after the final FSH injection. The retrieved COCs were subjected to in vitro maturation, in vitro fertilisation, and in vitro culture. The number of aspirated follicles and recovered COCs was higher (P < 0.05) in FSH-treated cows than in the control group. Furthermore, FSH-treated cows exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher maturation rates (69.75±3.35), cleavage rates (76.00±2.52), and blastocyst development rates (27.25±5.59) than the control group. In conclusion, FSH treatment before ovum pick-up enhanced both oocyte recovery and the developmental competence of oocytes, which may improve in vitro embryo production.

Comparative Efficacy of Biopesticides and Chemical Insecticides against Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) in Potato Crop under Western Uttar Pradesh Conditions

2026-07-24T11:55:32+00:00

A field experiment was conducted during the Rabi season of 2021–22 at the Crop Research Centre, Chirori, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, to compare the efficacy of selected biopesticides and chemical insecticides against Myzus persicae and Bemisia tabaci in potato. Seven treatments, namely neem oil, Beauveria bassiana, Difenthiuron 50 WP, Thiamethoxam 25 WG, Pymetrozine 50 WG, Imidacloprid 17.8 SL, and an untreated control, were evaluated in a randomised block design with three replications. Two foliar applications were made at 30 and 45 days after planting, and pest populations were recorded before spraying and at 5 and 10 days after each application. Based on the overall mean across both sprays, Pymetrozine 50 WG at 300 g/ha recorded the lowest aphid population, with 1.35 aphids per three leaves per plant. Difenthiuron 50 WP at 500 g/ha recorded the lowest whitefly population, with 0.99 whiteflies per three leaves per plant. Thiamethoxam 25 WG and Imidacloprid 17.8 SL were the next most effective treatments against both pests, whereas Beauveria bassiana and neem oil provided moderate suppression. All evaluated treatments significantly reduced pest populations compared with the untreated control. The findings indicate that Pymetrozine and Difenthiuron may be considered effective components of integrated management programmes for aphids and whiteflies, respectively, in potato under Western Uttar Pradesh conditions.

Molecular Characterisation and Post-embryonic Development of the Cyclopoid Copepod Apocyclops royi: Implications for Live Feed Applications in Aquaculture

2026-07-25T11:00:42+00:00

Aims: This study confirmed the taxonomic identity of the cyclopoid copepod Apocyclops royi and described its post-embryonic development under controlled laboratory conditions to assess its potential as a live feed organism in aquaculture.

Study Design: An experimental study involving morphological characterisation, molecular identification using 18S rRNA gene sequencing, and developmental assessment of successive naupliar and copepodid stages under controlled laboratory conditions.

Place and Duration of Study: The experimental work, including culture maintenance, species identification, and developmental observations, was carried out under laboratory conditions during the study period.

Methodology: A. royi specimens were cultured under controlled laboratory conditions (29 ± 1°C, 25 PSU salinity, pH 7.8, dissolved oxygen 5.5 mg/L, and a 12L:12D photoperiod) and identified using morphological characteristics and 18S rRNA gene sequencing. The obtained sequence was compared with sequences available in the NCBI GenBank database and deposited under accession number PP275178.1. Post-embryonic development from the naupliar (NI–NVI) and copepodid (CI–CV) stages to sexually mature adults was monitored by recording body length, body width, developmental duration, and stage-specific morphological characteristics.

Results: Morphological examination revealed diagnostic features consistent with previous descriptions of A. royi, while molecular analysis confirmed the species identity with high sequence similarity to available Apocyclops sequences. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a close genetic relationship with previously reported congeners. The complete developmental cycle from nauplius to the sexually mature adult stage was achieved in approximately 7 days. Body length increased progressively from 96 ± 2.3 µm in NI to 299 ± 7.1 µm in NVI, and from 391 ± 12.8 µm in CI to 864 ± 7.3 µm in adult females and 774 ± 8.8 µm in adult males. Distinct morphological transformations, including appendage differentiation, segmentation, and sexual dimorphism, were observed across developmental stages. The broad size spectrum exhibited by A. royi suggests its suitability as a continuous live feed source for fish larvae.

Conclusion: The integration of morphological, molecular, and developmental analyses authenticated A. royi and provided baseline information on its life-history characteristics. The rapid developmental cycle, broad prey-size spectrum, and ease of culture highlight the potential of A. royi as a sustainable live feed organism for aquaculture and larval-rearing applications.